Wilmer Kaye

Wilmer Kaye is a highly reputed katsina carver, one of the most recognizable names in that category of Indian art, and a veteran award-winner. He is known for the perfection of his carvings, which he has been doing since his teens. One of his uncles was the legendary Hopi jewelry artist, Charles Loloma.

Using only a pocket knife for his carving, Wilmer works on only one figure at a time, unlike some other carvers. The katsinas are embellished with paint and/or stain, and finally rubbed with linseed oil, to protect the wood and bring out the grain.

SOURCE - https://eddiebashacollection.com/collection/wilmer-kaye (Sept 2025)